Natural Pest Control: Diatomaceous Earth How We Love Thee

May 9, 2018

We’ve all felt it.

That familiar twinge of alarm and anger as we discover that our carefully tended garden plants and shrubs have become way too ’popular’ with their tiny neighbors. Not to mention that dreaded line of ants marching, army-style, under your front door.

The first instinct is to wipe out these little pests quickly. But if you struggle with the idea of introducing dangerous toxic chemicals into your home and yard (and especially around your children and pets) you’re not alone. The good news? There is an all natural pest control for homes and gardens – one that actually works.

Meet Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous (pronounced DIE-AH-TOE-MAY-SHUS) Earth is an all-natural fossilized rock that’s been ground into a fine powder. If you use toothpaste or facial scrubs, chances are you’ve already come into contact with it as it’s used as a mild abrasive in these products. Food grade Diatomaceous Earth has been approved for organic gardening and because it’s food grade it can safely be ingested by humans, pets and livestock without causing any damage. It’s an effective natural pest control product that is also commonly used to rid animals of intestinal parasites and fleas. In fact, it’s even used by people, and you’ll find it on the shelves at some health food stores.

How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work?

Diatomaceous Earth kills insects by destroying them physically rather than chemically. Once they come into contact with DE, insects dehydrate and die. It is safe for use nearly everywhere and it will eliminate destructive and annoying pests from your home’s interior and exterior. Best of all, it doesn’t affect earthworms, which are desirable underground residents that are busy keeping your soil fertilized and aerated.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth as Natural Pest Control

Because DE only works once it comes into direct physical contact with each individual pest you need to make sure they’ll pass through it. For example, if you find your plant leaves have become a favorite dining spot, simply dust DE directly on them. Because it’s a dry powder, it’s a bit messy, but once pests come into contact with it, they essentially dry up.

Diatomaceous Earth tops our list for all natural and amazingly safe insecticide and repellents. You can find it here.